Travelling in two groups on two separate days, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have safely arrived at their base-camp in New Zealand for the final phase of preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The first contingent departed South Africa on Wednesday evening (5 July 2023) – led by head coach Desiree Ellis, along with, among others, assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli, the Technical Advisor, the Team Doctor, and players like Bambanani Mbane, Kholosa Biyana, Noko Matlou, Gabriela Salgado and Nomvula Kgoale.
On Thursday evening (6 July 2023), it was the turn of the remaining team members, assistant coach Simphiwe Dludlu, goalkeeper coach Cameron Cox, Team Manager, and players like Linda Motlhalo, Karabo Dlamini, Bongeka Gamede, Kaylin Swart and Thembi Kgatlana as part of the delegation.
The departure comes after a tumultuous few days where there was a standoff between the players and the Football Association.
With the South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) on their side, Banyana Banyana protested over the non-inclusion of the $30,000 appearance fee promised by FIFA to each player in their contracts, as well as the choice of venue and opponents for their send-off match against Botswana at the Tsakani Stadium on Sunday, 2 July 2023.
SAFA put together a hastily-arranged team to face the Mares of Botswana, and the hosts lost 5-0.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi came in as a mediator as the stand-off continued, with the Minister of Sports also coming on board – the latter holding meetings late into the night on Monday (3 July) to quell the tension and get to the bottom of the matter.
The Motsepe Foundation came to the rescue and pledged some money to resolve the matter, with Ithuba, the National Lottery Commission, also making some donation to the team.
Over and above the $30 000 each from FIFA for the first round appearance, the players will also receive R230K each, while the support staff will also pocket R115K.
As matters stand, the players are due close to R800K each, before tax.
With all the drama out of the way, the team is now firmly focused on the task at hand.
They face Costa Rica in an international friendly match on 15 June 2023 – their final match before the start of the World Cup.
The clash takes place in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The World Cup runs from 20 July to 20 August and will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Banyana Banyana are one of the four African representatives at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – others are Zambia, Nigeria, and Morocco.
South Africa’s journey in their second FIFA Women’s World Cup begins in earnest on Sunday, 23 July when they take on Sweden, followed by the clash against Italy five days later (28 July) while Argentina lies in wait on 2 August.
By Matlhomola Morake
